Galin Eisele and Joanna, an occupational therapist from Aegis Rehab work together on strengthening excercises.

/

DARLINGTON – It has been 10 years since Galin Eisele had his stroke at age 30 that has left him in a wheelchair, legally blind and without the use of his left arm. But according to his mother, Marilee Eisele, this is the happiest she has seen him in those 10 years.“Knowing he is cared for on all levels: emotionally, physically and spiritually,” Marilee stated.Galin and his family attribute his happiness to his recent residency at the Lafayette Manor in Darlington. Galin came to the manor in March 2017 and he says the best part about being there is his kids can visit. His children, Colton, 10, who was born shortly after his father’s stroke and Lexi, 13, live in Belmont and enjoy coming and seeing their dad.“In the place I was before, it wasn’t fit to have the kids come,” Galin explained.But at the manor, there isn’t a shortage on activities residents can participate in and whenever there is an activity, Galin is most likely there. From bingo games to church services and even getting in some time to listen to books on tape, Galin is on the go and living life.Marilee sees how happy and content Galin is and how much the staff at the manor are able to meet his needs.“They want him to be happy and they want him to be here. They have a willingness to meet his needs and are looking out for him,” she said.The location of the manor is a plus for his family who live in the surrounding area and are able to stop in and take him to family functions, cook outs and even help his children with school shopping. He has also been keeping up with another passion of his: horses. Twice a month, Galin goes to horse therapy at Victory Ridge, Inc. in Highland. Being at the manor, he is back to his original personality and it has not changed. He is witty and loves to joke around.“Laugher is the best medicine. Here of all the places I have been, all the people work together. They are a puzzle and all fit together and make one pictures and makes this place function,” Galin explains.Marilee told of how the staff helps him dial his cell phone when he may need help and recalls one of the first comments Galin had about the staff.“He said, ‘Mom, I don’t think they realize how well I can hear but they are nice. They are nice to each other and treat the other people nice. I can hear a smile on their face. There is unity.”Galin added that they work together on a common goal whatever that goal may be.When relatives from out of state visited, Galin told them to move to Darlington “because if they ever wanted to be in a place where they would be taken well care of, it would be here.”Galin couldn’t say enough about the food, the warmth from the staff and how everyone is always so helpful whenever he needs something.Marilee stated that people in the community forget that someday they might need the manor. If it is not maintained, it may be lost. One never knows what tomorrow brings. They never thought that at 30-years-old Galin’s life would change so drastically.Galin could not emphasis how the atmosphere has changed him and that he is not just content but happy.“It’s my home.”The Lafayette Manor will be having their annual cookout on Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 4-6 p.m. at the Floral Hall at the Lafayette County Fairgrounds.